Method and apparatus for visual support of commission acts

ABSTRACT

Device and method for visual technical support of manual order-picking processes through device with at least one (mobile) unit having optical sensing detection device, optical display device, data processing device and wireless data interface to data-processing system having product management software and connection device for active units. Each unit cyclically receives navigation information to produce directions on optical display device. Data for specific navigation results from comparing data from respective optical sensing detection device with stored reference/model data and position of current target of route-optimized list of goods transmitted to unit. Data for specific navigation is cyclically determined and transmitted to assigned unit and new navigation information for a next target on list does not occur until after optical detection of current target/placeholder replacement object by detection device, identification of detected object by the data processing device, and detection and logging of goods from storage location to target location.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation U.S. application Ser. No.12/554,600 filed Sep. 4, 2009 that claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of Austrian Patent Application No. GM 477/2008 filed Sep. 5,2008, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method for the visual technicalsupport of manual order-picking processes through a device with at leastone mobile unit, having an optical sensing detection device, an opticaldisplay device, a data processing device and a data interface forwireless connection to a stationary electronic data-processing system,which, in addition to product management software, has a connectiondevice for all active mobile units.

2. Discussion of Background Information

A plurality of different systems are currently used for order-picking inwarehouses. In addition to static provision (man-to-goods systems),dynamic provision (goods-to-man systems) by means of high-bay storage,storage carousel installations, flow through racks and paternosterinstallations is being used with increasing frequency. The latter hasthe advantage of a smaller space requirement and the reduction of workfor recognition, picking and confirmation. The disadvantages are thehigh expenditure in terms of infrastructure and machinery, the high costof the overall system and poor access in the event of breakdown. A motorbreakdown can mean order-picking comes to a standstill.

Technologies that became known as pick-to-light or pick-by-voice areoften used. In the first case, an order picker at the storage locationis notified via a device by display instruments which goods and whichquantity he should remove; after removal the user confirms by pressing abutton. Errors or unauthorized removal of goods are not avoidable here.The expenditure for the display instruments or devices is alsoconsiderable. In addition, stationary screens with position information,type of goods and quantity linked to with an administrator file are usedat various points in space for retrieval. Pick-by-voice renders possiblehands-free maneuvering via acoustic commands; a microphone makes itpossible to report for confirmation. In principle, four elements oftechnologies of this type have already been disclosed, in particular byresearch studies by Munich Technical University, Chair for materialshandling engineering, material flow and logistics. This also includespick-by-vision systems in the test phase. These cover data helmets forthe display of information superimposed in the field of view, such asoptical highlighting of a storage compartment, visually supportedroute-finding and route information. Further known devices, such asaugmented-reality devices, are used for head-mounted displays, inparticular in various applications such as in computer games, insimulators for process steps or inspection or data comparison tasks.

DE 102 15 885 A1 describes a method for automatic process control withan augmented-reality system with camera, data goggles and loggingdevice. This method and the device therefor are used chiefly for loggingand analysis of manipulation operations for correct implementation.

Also cited as prior art is the use of augmented reality as a substitutefor an assembly manual, for example in aircraft assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention build on this prior art to create a methodand a device that is suitable for supporting the basic functions oforder pickup through navigation. These basic functions are, e.g.; take apredetermined container or a specific transport aid; go to apredetermined article location, remove there the predetermined number ofthis article and place it in the container or transport aid; go the nextarticle location, etc.; and finally bring the target container to thecontainer target location. The user should be able, without specialknowledge, to take a support device from a location, e.g., a loadingstation. It should be possible to carry out the rest of the functionsthrough the device clearly and with effective monitoring quickly andeasily in a route-optimized and time-optimized manner. Interruptions andcontinuations by other employees as well as the exchange of container orauxiliary device should be possible without error for order picking atany time. Route optimization and collision avoidance are further aspectsof the invention. Likewise, it should be possible to immediately insertsudden priority tasks easily and without time being lost. It should bepossible for the different functions to be carried out by one or moreemployees. It should also be possible for a list to be worked through byseveral employees or order pickers at the same time withoutduplications.

According to the invention, a method is proposed for the visualtechnical support of manual order picking operations. For this purpose adevice is used with at least one mobile unit and a stationary centraldata-processing system. The data-processing system and the mobile unitcan communicate via a wireless connection, wherein necessary data areexchanged. The mobile unit has an optical sensing detection device forthis purpose, in order to detect its surroundings. An optical displaydevice in the mobile unit is used to display information; a dataprocessing device is used to process information for the display and toprepare for the data transmission based on the optical sensor detection.The stationary data-processing system is equipped with goods managementsoftware, which can access the data of all of the active mobile unitsvia the wireless connection. The important factor thereby is that eachmobile unit cyclically receives navigation information and this istransmitted in the form of directions, in particular (directional)arrows, via the optical display device. To this end the method requiresthat the data for the specific navigation based on a data comparison ofthe data from the respective optical sensing detection device of eachmobile unit are compared to reference data or model data in thedata-processing system or also stored in the mobile unit in order toclearly define the location of the clearly identified mobile device.With the aid of these data the software of the data-processing system orthat of the mobile unit, based on the position of the current targetobject known to the system, can determine the route information or theproduct identification and display it on the mobile unit addressed.

As a further basic feature, the new navigation information for the nextobject of an assigned list of goods is to occur only after the opticaldetection of the current object and clear identification of the same.The important factor thereby is the clear detection and logging of theorder-picking operation of a goods article from the storage location tothe target location. If the requested product is not at the targetlocation, a place holder replacement object, e.g., a printed sheet withclear identification, must be placed in the transport aid. This cancontain information for the product recipient. The system will receivefeedback on a product shortfall.

Expediently, before the start of the navigation for a new combination ofgoods or addition of goods, a navigation to the transport aid to becurrently used, in the first case empty or in the second case alreadypartially filled, occurs and if a complete combination of goods isinterrupted early, a position of the transport aid is transmitted to thestationary data-processing system and stored for the subsequentcontinuance and completion of the order, or after successful completionof the order, the navigation of the transport aid containing thecomplete combination of goods to the common target position occurs. Atransport aid, e.g., a basket or transport cart, is normally used for acombination of goods. It is advantageous to guide a newly registereduser by navigation to the transport aid to be currently used. This canbe empty or already partially filled. The latter is advantageous if atask list is interrupted, e.g., in the case of breaks, the end of aday's work or shift changeover. If a transport aid with all of the goodsaccording to the task list has been assembled according to the goodsmanagement program of the data-processing system, it is advantageouslynavigated to the target position. A target position can thereby bedifferent for each order.

A detection of unauthorized movements of an object from its storagelocation or from the transport aid or of the transport aid itself withthe aid of the optical sensing detection device and its evaluation withthe aid of the software of the stationary data-processing system isadvantageous for control and monitoring of the work processes. Measuresto prevent errors, such as warnings via the optical display devicethrough corresponding error code transmission are thus possible.

Ideally and due to its educational effect, an acoustic alarm istriggered in the event of optically detected errors.

For support or control in the detection of the position and orientation,inertial sensors for complete detection of a movement and orientation ofan order picker are advantageous. The inertial sensors can be calibratedby fixed optically detected markers, the position of which is known tothe system. Conversely, this makes it possible to check movableoptically detected objects with respect to their desired location. If acalibrated inertial sensor is applied to the hand of the order pickerand if he is guided to the position of a movable system component or aproduct, the location of which is not the desired position, the softwarerecognizes this and can likewise apply corrective measures. Thus, forexample, a product can have fallen off a shelf; the location of thecorrect storage position is transmitted to the mobile unit upon contact.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a device for carrying outthe above-described method. The device has at least one mobile unit.Several mobile units of this type can be used in a warehousesimultaneously. They communicate with a central data-processing system.The mobile unit has an optical sensing detection device, an opticaldisplay device, a data-processing device and software for image dataprocessing and is equipped with a wireless data interface for datatransmission. The data transmission is always carried out with thecentral data processing device, e.g., via a wireless local area network(WLAN) or a Bluetooth connection. In addition to these devices known perse, as a third component the geometry of the warehouse and the completedetection of all dimensions and product positions in a virtual model isthe decisive feature of the invention. Space, product and devices mustform one unit. In addition to geographic arrangements of warehousefacilities and/or optically detectable conditions through shape, colorand/or pattern, poster-like attachments can be suitably designed inorder to ensure for as many objects as possible a clear determination ofthe position and the orientation in a warehouse through the opticalsensing detection device. Geometric similarity algorithms, e.g., imageanalysis methods, are used for this purpose in the central and/or in themobile data processing device.

Advantageously, a pattern-scanner with laser, in particular a barcodescanner, can be used as an optical sensing detection device. The currentposition and orientation information must thereby be determined ininstallations on the floor, on walls, the product or shelves bypatterns, in particular barcodes, by the data processing device of themobile unit or after transmission of the pattern information by thecentral data-processing system. The laser of the detection device couldtheoretically also be used for the optical display device.

For support, passive transponders (radio frequency identification tagsor RFID tags) can be attached in the warehouse for position analysis.Then a transponder reader device must be provided in the mobile units.The code of the transponder permits inferences to be made on theposition, orientation and/or designation of the product, based on theproduct management software.

For augmented reality it is advantageous if the optical sensingdetection device is a camera module. With the aid of image dataanalysis, supported by installations on the floor, on walls, shelves,storage locations or on the product, current position and orientation orproduct information can be determined from colors, shapes andpatterns—either already in the mobile unit or after image transmissionby the central data processing device. The video image detected equippedwith the additional information of the navigation can be transmitted toat least one video display.

In principle, the optical display device can have light-emitting diodes,a display, in particular a display of the liquid crystal display (LCD)or organic light emitting diode (OLED) type, or combinations thereof.The important factor thereby is that the display device is suitable forshowing the direction of travel in coded form or by directions, inparticular in the form of directional arrows.

A laser projector is also suitable as an optical display device. This issuitable for projecting directions on surrounding objects, in particulara floor, or in the case of corresponding identification, directlymarking the respective target object by irradiation.

The integration of an inertial sensor, in particular a rotation ratesensor, is advantageous. This makes it possible in addition to detectmovement or rotational movement. The correction of the direction in thedisplay device can thereby also be carried out between two opticalsensing position and orientation detections.

If a laser scanner is used as an optical sensing detection device, it isparticularly advantageous to also use the laser via its deflectiondevices to display the information or directions, in that it is possibleto switch backwards and forwards between display and scan mode. Ifconversely a laser projector is used, with suitable deflection the laserbeam thereof can also serve as a component for a laser scanner.

An augmented reality representation on the display device is alsoadvantageous. The actually detected data, in particular video datadirectly or virtual data constructed from certain characteristic values,with geometric information on the warehouse and its structure arethereby linked to augmented reality data. The user in particular ofvideo goggles or a data helmet is thus given a virtual view of thesurrounding area with or without integration of the real images.Additional information is embedded in this virtual display.

For three-dimensional perception, it is advantageous if the data of theoptical sensing detection device are transmitted either by two sensorsspaced apart or through image conversion based on the stored geographicdata of the warehouse structure into a three-dimensional image for botheyes of the viewer. A suitable optical display device is, for example,3D spectacles; shutter glasses render possible a three-dimensional deptheffect for the viewer. To this end two calculated or detected viewingangles of the virtual or real image are used with additional informationand the reproduction thereof for both eyes of the viewer. To supportfocusing and representation that is correct in terms of viewing angle,the movement of the eyes can be detected.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to amethod for the visual technical support of manual order-pickingprocesses through a device with at least one mobile unit, having anoptical sensing detection device, an optical display device, a dataprocessing device and a data interface for wireless connection to astationary electronic data-processing system, which, in addition toproduct management software, has a connection device for all activemobile units. The method is characterized in that each mobile unitcyclically receives navigation information, which is transmitted in theform of directions, in particular arrows, via the optical displaydevice. The data for specific navigation is based on a data comparisonof data from the respective optical sensing detection device withreference data or model data in the data-processing system or the mobileunit and a position of a current target object of an assignedroute-optimized list of goods transmitted by the data processing systemto the mobile unit. Moreover, the data for the specific navigation iscyclically determined and transmitted addressed to the assigned mobileunit and the new navigation information for the next object of the listof goods does not occur until after the optical detection of the currenttarget object or of a placeholder replacement object by the detectiondevice and clear identification of the same by the data processingdevice and clear detection and logging of the order-picking process of agoods article from the storage location to the target location.

According to embodiments of the invention, before the start ofnavigation for a new combination of goods or supplementation of goods, anavigation to the transport aid to be currently used, in the first caseempty or in the second case already partially filled, can occur and ifcomplete combination of goods is interrupted early, a position of thetransport aid may be transmitted to the stationary data-processingsystem and stored for the subsequent continuance and completion of theorder, or after successful completion of the order, the navigation ofthe transport aid containing the complete combination of goods to thecommon target position occurs.

In accordance with other embodiments, a movement not authorized by thestationary data processing system of an object from its storage locationor from the transport aid or of the transport aid itself may be detectedwith the optical sensing detection device and likewise transmitted tothe data-processing system. The software can recognize the error andtriggers corresponding warning messages to the optical display device ofthe mobile unit by transmitting an error code. Further, an acousticalarm can be triggered in the case of optically detected errors.

According to still other embodiments, inertial sensors with completedetection of a movement and orientation of an order picker can be usedfor support or monitoring in the detection of the position andorientation. The inertial sensors may be optionally calibrated by fixedoptically detected markers, and conversely, movable optically detectedobjects are checked with respect to their desired location.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to a device for carrying outthe above-described method. The device includes at least one mobile unitwith optical sensing detection device, optical display device, dataprocessing device and software for image data processing and datatransmission and with wireless data interface to a central electronicdata processing device or data processing system. Geographicarrangements and/or optical conditions through shape, color and/orpattern, in particular by poster-like attachments are suitably designedand are clearly described with complete geographic precision and storedin the system in order to ensure for as many objects as possible thatare detectable by the optical sensing detection device during an orderpicking, a clear determination and assignment of the position and theorientation with the aid of geometric similarity algorithms in thecentral and/or in the mobile data processing device.

According to other embodiments of the instant invention, the opticalsensing detection device can be a pattern scanner with laser, inparticular a barcode scanner, and the current position and orientationinformation in attachments on the floor, on walls, goods or shelves bypattern, in particular barcodes, can be determined by the dataprocessing device of the mobile unit or after transmission of thepattern information by the central data processing system.

Moreover, passive transponders (RFID tags) can be attached to supportposition analysis, and transponder reader devices can be provided in themobile unit. A code of the transponder may permit inferences to be madeon the position, orientation and/or designation of the product.

In accordance with still other embodiments, the optical sensingdetection device may be a camera module, through which the currentposition and orientation or product information can be determined fromcolors, shapes and patterns with the aid of image data analysis,supported by attachments on the floor, on walls, shelves, storagelocations or on the product, by the mobile unit. The determination mayoptionally occur after image transmission by the data processing system.

In other embodiments, the optical display device can be formed bylight-emitting diodes, a display, in particular a liquid crystal display(LCD) or organic light emitting display (OLED), or combinations thereof.The optical display device may be suitable for showing the direction oftravel in coded form or by directions, in particular in the form ofdirectional arrows, which indicate the correct route, regardless of theorientation of the mobile unit.

In still further embodiments of the invention, the optical displaydevice can be formed by a laser projector, which projects directions onsurrounding objects, in particular a floor, and upon recognition, marksthe respective target object.

According to still other embodiments, an inertial sensor may be providedfor additional detection of a movement or rotary movement of the mobileunit.

In accordance with still yet other embodiments of the present invention,the laser device of the laser projector can be used additionally as ascanner laser, the reflected light of which an optical sensor captureswith code information of code markings, in particular barcode markings.At least one of the data processing devices can link actually detecteddata, in particular video data and construed virtual data, to augmentedreality data and processes them via the optical display device forcombined display. Further, the data of the optical sensing detectiondevice, either by two sensors spaced apart or through image conversionbased on the stored geographic data, through a suitable optical displaydevice can render possible a three-dimensional depth effect for theviewer, in particular by detecting and/or generating offset views foreach eye.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention maybe ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanyingdrawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described based on the following practicalembodiments. They show:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the device according to the inventionwith mobile hand devices;

FIG. 2 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the deviceaccording to the invention with video glasses;

FIG. 3 illustrates a data helmet for use as a mobile unit;

FIG. 4 illustrates a head-hand type head mount for a further embodimentof the mobile unit;

FIG. 5 illustrates a helmet with projection device as a display device;

FIGS. 6 through 9 illustrate fields of view of an order picker with atypical order-picking operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows the expenditure in terms of equipment for thepick-by-vision method as a first example. A data-processing system 100comprises a computer 101 and a communication interface or connectiondevice 102 for wireless connection to mobile units 200. A keyboard 104makes it possible to enter data, in particular to select functions of agoods management system. Many things are carried out in an automatedmanner, for example, customer orders. The inventory can be retrievedconstantly updated. Bottlenecks are to be avoided. The goods managementsoftware can inform a user about all currently active mobile units via amonitor 103. Further retrievable information includes current users,number of correct goods access operations, number of error messages,order picker start and end times, missing products, order receipts,tracking the order status, determining a possible delivery date,overstaffing or understaffing. The mobile units 200 have an opticaldisplay device 201, an optical sensing detection device 202 and a devicefor data processing and communication via a wireless connection 206.

A sequence is, for example, shown briefly, as follows: a recently hired,untrained order picker is asked to take a mobile unit 200 from acharging station for storage batteries. Usually, it is fully charged. Ifthe charge condition is unsuitable, a block can prevent removal untilthe optimum charge condition has been reached. The order picker takes asuitable device and switches on the mobile unit 200. The software powersup and the wireless interface awaits the logon sequence. The mobile unit200 is recognized by the data processing device 100 based on a cyclicalscan of new logons. After detection of the new device by the controlcenter, the current equipment level is increased. A user identificationis requested on the display device 201 of the mobile unit 200. To thisend, for the new order picker either his face was linked to his data inthe system or an identification card with a personal barcode, possiblyas a sticker, sewn-on badge or imprint attached to protective clothingor a helmet. The order picker holds the optical sensing detection device202, e.g., a camera, against his face or the code, and the systemtransmits the release to the mobile unit 200 for task performance. Inthe data processing device 100 the device number is linked to the useridentity, at the same time a time stamp occurs for the start of work.The data processing device 100 assigns the next goods list to thecurrent mobile unit 200 according to a priority plan. First the orderpicker is welcomed by name via the display. There is the option here ofending the work promptly in the event of an identification error. Thecode might be incorrect, the wrong work clothing has been put on or themobile unit 200 was accidentally pointed at a different order picker.The logon can be repeated by restarting (switching on and off). However,the incorrect logon is logged. Once the welcome has been completed, theorder picker needs only to follow the instructions of the mobile unit200 for the route. First, the order picker is guided to a transport aid.Arrows 205 on the display show the way. Prominent objects orintersections in the route can also be displayed in the optical displaydevice 201. The transport aid to be selected is clearly assigned by thecontrol center or data processing system 100. This also makes itpossible to continue a combination of goods that has been started butnot completed, even by a different order picker. When the transport aidis reached, the instruction to take the same is transmitted. If thetransport aid is clearly identified by the detection device, which canalso be carried out by a barcode, and moved away from the location, thetarget of the next element of the task list of the user is transmittedto the mobile unit 200. The directions are given again. Location andtarget are two geographic points, which are used via software to themobile unit 200 or in the control center or data processing system 100for an automatic routing process through the warehouse by the shortestroute. As a result, the mobile unit 200 indicates the direction byarrows 205, the movement of the order picker through the warehouse isdetected by optical sensing. The camera on the mobile unit 200 renderspossible a comparison of image data with stored and geographicallyassigned warehouse positions and orientations. A certain barcode signcan thus precisely define the location. The orientation can additionallybe detected by rotary sensors, e.g., according to the gyroscopeprinciple, so that a viewing angle defined for the alignment of thecamera to the barcode sign is taken into account accordingly in theindication of direction in the event of a tilt. At the target location,the optical sensing detection device 202 recognizes the target object.The display indicates the object by suitable emphasis. If the correctobject is moved into the transport aid, the detection device recognizesthis, e.g., since two image components are made congruent. The operationis completed, the next routing occurs. If the mobile unit 200 isswitched off, the current order-picking status with the time log for theuser is stored and integrated into the population of all orders. If allof the elements of a task list have been completed, that is, placed inthe transport aid, the guidance of the filled transport aid to thetarget location occurs. Guidance to another transport aid occurs. Thenfurther actions, such as packing and shipping of the goods can becarried out at the target location for the transport aid. The deletionof all goods is carried out in a similar manner through the detection ofthe removal from the transport aid by staff authorized to do so. Sincethe control center or the data processing system 100 knows the precisenumber of goods deposited, a packer can here also verify again thecorrect order picking with the aid of the device presented. Thetransport aid number is again released in the system for a new list ofgoods.

If an order picker takes the wrong object in error, a warning is givenvia the display device 201 or acoustically. The error is logged, anycorrection likewise.

If the mobile unit 200, as shown in FIG. 1, is embodied as a hand unit,work is somewhat limited. This can be remedied by a detachableattachment of the device to a transport aid. However, the fixing of thedevice to the body, e.g., by a belt, is advantageous, and ideally thedisplay device 201 is integrated into data goggles 300, as shown in FIG.2. Future goggles render possible very light embodiments, so thatfreedom of movement is restricted only slightly. The field of viewshould remain as large as possible.

FIG. 3 shows a typical data helmet with a video monitor device oroptical display device 201 similar to an electronic viewfinder for thedisplay of augmented reality, integrating lines of sight from an opticalsensing detection device 202 embodied as a camera. A transmission device203 can be attached to a helmet 400 and is connected to a detection anddisplay device via a wiring 204. A closed unit thus results, which caneasily be put on or taken off.

FIG. 4 shows a headband 600 in side view for attachment to the head.Devices for image detection, image reproduction and data processing andcommunication or an optical sensing detection device 202, an opticaldisplay device 201 and a transmission device 203 are mounted on theforehead here.

A special embodiment of the mobile unit 200 is shown in FIG. 5. Theheadpiece shows here an image detection device 202 in the form of avideo camera and a display device 201 in the form of a laser projector.The latter projects directional arrows onto the floor in front of theuser. A correctly recognized article of goods can also be indicated withthe aid of a projector, e.g., by a circle. However, the prerequisite forthis is that the projection beam is located in the field of view of thecamera. Preferably the laser projector permits a change of theprojection direction from obliquely to the ground to straight aheadparallel to the line of sight of the detection device, in order toachieve a clear feedback.

FIGS. 6 through 9 show possible representations during a productnavigation, either through the display or the line of sight of the orderpicker. The shelf labels, for example, are used for orientation here.The letters A through H give the system the current location. The nextlist product is a white ball or a target object 500. This is located inthe vicinity of a marker G. A route planning (central or in the mobileunit 200) determines the route information and produces the(directional) arrows 205. If the order picker follows the arrow 205, theview of the optical sensing detection device 202 then changes from FIG.7 to that in FIG. 8 and finally to that in FIG. 9. The product isrecognized and marked and can be removed in a controlled manner.

The predominant but not restricted field of application relates towarehouses of wholesalers or mail-order companies as well as storagefacilities or interim storage facilities of manufacturers or suppliers.With the method or the device according to the invention, for this thecombination of goods inside a warehouse is thereby possible even byemployees with no knowledge of the configuration of the warehouse and noknowledge of the location and position of the goods to be combined,wherein in particular several order pickers can work simultaneously.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for the visual technical supportof manual order-picking processes through a device with a mobile unithaving an optical sensing detection device, an optical display device, adata processing device and a data interface for wireless connection to astationary electronic data-processing system, wherein the stationarydata-processing system includes product management software and aconnection device for the mobile unit, the method comprising:transmitting an order comprising an assigned list of goods from thedata-processing system to the mobile unit; cyclically receivingnavigation data, which is transmitted in the form of directions, on theoptical display device of the mobile unit, wherein the navigation datafor the mobile unit is based on a comparison of data from the opticalsensing detection device of the mobile unit with: reference data ormodel data stored in the data-processing system or in the mobile unit;and a position of a current target object of the assigned list of goodsof the mobile unit; and not transmitting navigation information for anext object of the assigned list of goods of the specific mobile deviceuntil: the current target object or a placeholder replacement object forthe current target object is detected by the optical sensing detectiondevice of the mobile device; the data processing device identifies thedetected current target object or placeholder replacement object for thecurrent target object; and the movement of the detected current targetobject or placeholder replacement object for the current target objectfrom a storage location to a target location is detected and logged. 2.The method according to claim 1, wherein, before starting navigation fora new listing of goods of the specific mobile device or supplementationof the list of goods of the mobile device, the method further comprisesat least one of: transmitting navigation information to a transport aidto be currently used, which is empty or at least partially filled, whenthe order picking process is interrupted prior to completion of theorder, transmitting and storing a position of the transport aid to thestationary data-processing system for subsequent continuance andcompletion of the order, and after successful completion of the order,transmitting navigation information to direct the transport aidcontaining the completed order to a common target position.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the mobile unit is associated witha transport aid and the method further comprises: detecting movement,which is not authorized by the stationary data processing system, of anobject from its storage location or from a transport aid or movement ofthe transport aid with the optical sensing detection device of themobile unit associated with the transport aid; and transmitting thedetected movement to the data-processing system, which recognizes theunauthorized movement of the object and transmits an error code totrigger warning messages to the optical display device of the mobileunit associated with the transport aid.
 4. The method according to claim3, wherein an acoustic alarm is triggered in an event of opticallydetected errors.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein inertialsensors with complete detection of a movement and orientation of anorder picker are used for supporting or monitoring a position andorientation of the order picker.
 6. The method according to claim 5,further comprising calibrating the inertial sensors via fixed opticallydetected markers, and checking movable optically detected objects withrespect to their desired location.
 7. The method according to claim 1,wherein the assigned list of goods is a route-optimized list of goodsfrom the data-processing system.
 8. A device for carrying out visualtechnical support of manual picking processes of an order, comprising: amobile unit with optical sensing detection device, optical displaydevice, data processing device and software for image data processingand data transmission and with a wireless data interface to anelectronic data processing system, wherein at least one of geographicarrangements or optical conditions through at least one of shape, colorand pattern are located within an environment in which the systemoperates and geographical locations of these at least one of geographicarrangements or optical conditions through at least one of shape, colorand pattern within the environment are stored in the data processingsystem, and wherein, in processing the order, the optical sensingdetection device is configured to detect the at least one of geographicarrangements or optical conditions, whereby a determination of aposition and orientation of the optical sensing detection device is madeusing image analysis of the detected geographic arrangements or opticalconditions in at least one of the data processing system or the mobileunit data processing device.
 9. The device according to claim 8, whereinthe optical sensing detection device comprises a pattern scanner with alaser and the current position and orientation information of theoptical sensing detection device is determinable based upon thegeographic arrangements and a pattern of the optical conditions, whichcan be arranged as attachments on the floor, on walls, goods or shelves,the pattern being determined one of: by the data processing device ofthe mobile unit, or by the data processing system, after transmission ofthe pattern information by the optical sensing detection device.
 10. Thedevice according to claim 8, further comprising passive transpondersattached to support position analysis, and the mobile unit furthercomprises transponder reader devices, wherein a code of the transponderpermits inferences to be made on at least one of the position,orientation or designation of the objects.
 11. The device according toclaim 8, wherein the optical sensing detection device comprises a cameramodule, through which the current position and orientation of theoptical sensing detection device or product information is determinedfrom colors, shapes and patterns with the aid of image data analysis,supported by attachments on the floor, on walls, shelves, storagelocations or on the product, by the mobile unit.
 12. The deviceaccording to claim 8, wherein the optical display device comprises atleast one of a light-emitting diode (LED) display, a liquid crystaldisplay (LCD) or organic light emitting display (OLED), or combinationsthereof, wherein the optical display device is configured for showing adirection of travel in coded form or by directions, which indicate acorrect route, regardless of the orientation of the mobile unit.
 13. Thedevice according to claim 8, wherein the optical display device isformed by a laser projector, which projects directions on at least oneof surrounding objects or a floor, and upon recognition, marks therespective target object.
 14. The device according to claim 8, whereinan inertial sensor is provided for detection of a movement or rotarymovement of the mobile unit.
 15. The device according to claim 13,wherein the laser device of the laser projector is configured as ascanner laser, in which an optical sensor captures reflected light withcode information of code markings.
 16. The device according to claim 15,wherein the code marking comprise barcode markings, and wherein at leastone of the data processing device and the data processing system linksactually detected data to augmented reality data and processes them viathe optical display device for combined display.
 17. The deviceaccording to claim 15, wherein the data of the optical sensing detectiondevice, either by two sensors spaced apart or through image conversionbased on the stored geographic data, is displayed by the optical displaydevice with a three-dimensional depth effect for the viewer.
 18. Thedevice according to claim 8, wherein the optical conditions compriseposter-like attachments.
 19. The device according to claim 9, whereinthe optical sensing detection device comprises a barcode scanner and theposition and orientation information includes barcodes.
 20. The deviceaccording to claim 10, wherein the passive transponders comprise RFIDtags.
 21. The device according to claim 11, wherein the current positionand orientation of the optical sensing detection device or productinformation is determined after image data is transmitted by the dataprocessing system.
 22. The device according to claim 16, wherein theactually detected data comprises at least one of video data andconstrued virtual data.
 23. The device according to claim 17, whereinthe three-dimensional depth effect for the viewer is achieved by atleast one of detecting or generating offset views for each eye.